Marlon Moraes is returning to MMA competition for the first time in over three years, headlining the second event from Brazilian promotion LMC on August 28. The former UFC bantamweight title challenger, who announced his retirement in 2023 and pursued a career in law enforcement, will face 14-15 Maximiliano Perez. Moraes enters the bout on a seven-fight losing streak, having gone winless since a split-decision victory over Jose Aldo in 2020.
Marlon "Magic" Moraes is reportedly coming out of retirement, with reports indicating the former UFC bantamweight title challenger is set to headline LMC 2 on August 28 against Maximiliano Perez, though the bout has not been officially confirmed.
Moraes, 38, announced he was stepping away from the sport in 2023 and transitioned into a career in law enforcement. The Brazilian standout carries a professional record of 23-10-1 and built his reputation as one of the more dangerous bantamweights of his era, known for sharp striking and finishing ability. He trained out of American Top Team and holds a notable split-decision win over Jose Aldo in 2020 — the last victory of his career to date. That win came at the tail end of a difficult stretch, and Moraes heads into this reported contest having dropped seven consecutive fights. Standing five-foot-six with a 67-inch reach, he averaged 3.37 significant strikes per minute over his career, working from an orthodox stance.
His reported opponent, Maximiliano Perez, carries a record of 14-15.
Why it matters
- Moraes would be competing for the first time in over three years if the bout moves forward, making ring rust a significant storyline.
- The fight is set to headline LMC 2, the second event from the Brazilian regional promotion, giving the card a recognizable name with UFC-level history.
- A seven-fight losing streak entering the contest adds considerable weight to what this comeback means for Moraes's legacy and trajectory.
- Because the report is unconfirmed, the matchup could still change before any official announcement from LMC.
